General Information & Guidelines

We are delighted that you are considering Glessner House for your special event. Here is some additional information about holding your event here. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at 312-326-1480, or at info@glessnerhouse.org.

Event Agreement

Once an event is mutually agreed upon, an agreement will be drawn up for signing by you and a representative of Glessner House. In order to officially secure your date, the Event Agreement must be signed and dated, and returned to Glessner House with any required deposits or fees.

Exclusive Vendors

Our exclusive caterer, D'Absolute Events & Catering, will help to design your perfect event by providing all of your food (appetizers to full-plated dinners), staffing (chefs, waiters, bartenders), and equipment (tables, chairs, dance floor, glassware, dishes, silverware, linens). All events with on-site catering and/or serving alcohol are required to use our exclusive caterer. For alcohol and desserts, you may contract with other vendors or provide your own. Set-up and clean-up of any catering will be provided by D'Absolute Catering.

We will coordinate the rental of additional equipment such as tents, stages, or patio heaters if needed for your event. For décor (flowers, paper goods), entertainment (band, DJ, photo booths), and photography, you may contract with your choice of vendors or provide your own.

Art of Imagination is our exclusive lighting designer. A basic lighting package is included for events held in the Courtyard after sunset. Art of Imagination can provide a variety of optional lighting and decor to enhance the ambiance of your event.

Tables, Seating, and Dance Floor

The following items are available for your use at no extra charge:

Fifteen 8' rectangular banquet tables (provided by D'Absolute)

150 white folding chairs with padded seats (provided by D'Absolute)

Bar (provided by D'Absolute)

Twelve 48" round dining tables

Twelve 6' rectangular banquet tables

Eight 6' serpentine tables

48 white metal stacking chairs

36 red metal/plastic chairs

45 upholstered chairs (Dining Room and Conservatory only)

Speaker’s podium

Bose 180 sound system (two available)

In addition, the following are available for a fee:

LCD projector, screen & AV cart - $25 (included in meeting rentals)

15' x 15' dance floor - $375

15' x 18' dance floor - $450

Wireless internet access is available in all spaces.

Music

All DJs and bands must use our in-house Bose 180 audio speaker system. All live or recorded music must end by 10:00pm.

House Tours

Make your event even more memorable by treating your guests to a tour of the house. For no additional fee you can include a 15 minute tour of the first floor of the house led by trained docents.

Wedding Ceremonies

Ceremonies can also be held in the Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens next door. We will assist in obtaining a use-permit from the Chicago Park District (www.chicagoparkdistrict.com). A two-hour Level I permit is approximately $500 plus a refundable security deposit.

Photography

Photography and videography is allowed in all event spaces. With prior request, other interior historic museum settings may be available.

Accessibility

The Courtyard and Coach House, including a restroom, are wheelchair accessible.

Tent

The courtyard can be tented in the event of inclement weather for an additional fee. The largest tent available measures 1,500 square feet and can accommodate up to 150 people.

Deposits and Fees

Weddings and Celebrations require a refundable Security and Damage Deposit of $500. The refundable Security and Damage Deposit for Meetings is $200.

There is an additional $500 charge for events held on the following holidays—New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.

Insurance

All events at which alcohol are served are required to provide a certificate of insurance naming Glessner House as additional insured.

Event Times

Events can take place between 9:00am and 10:00pm

Parking

A parking lot is available weekdays after 5:00pm, and all day on the weekends. The parking lot contains 30 spaces and is located 2-1/2 blocks away.